Is this the right place for me.

[okoko]

I desire to pursue a career in networking. Don’t laugh, but I have a diploma and BA. in International Studies. I know many of us would be wondering . . . what? Anyway, I am now living in the UK (formally in Nigeria) and everywhere I inquire it looks like such things (my qualifications) are not really in demand considering the circumstances.
Anyway, while still in school, I worked part-time maintaining computers , unlocking and correcting firmware (flash programming) errors in mobile phones for about 4yr. I have no internationally recognised qualifications for this but I have two for computer hardware maintenance from Nigeria. I have studied semsim router simulator and it was not really hard. I am currently working on some free Cisco press tutorials and considering starting an IT school for CCNA January 2008. But after all said and done, I just sat down a while ago and asked myself a some sincere questions: I considered what my prospects would be if I take CCNA exams and start looking for a job. Obviously I would probably be at the bottom of the food chain. But would I actually get a job? What should I really expect in terms of challenges?

Cheers

 

[burtsbees]

Well, that all depends on where you are.
You could obtain CCNA and then CCNP, working a starting networking job all the while, building experience. Starting out, the pay is not so shabby for networking, as compared to pc repair.
Whatever you decide to do, if it is networking, then Cisco is definitely the way to go! They are the TOP of the food chain in networking!

Burt

 

[okoko]

Thanks Burt for your time and advice. I really love networking. It’s like a continuation of what has always been: There is a certain peace in continuity. Well I hope I am not being Olive twist by stressing further but, in your country, to what extent does not having a relevant University qualification hinder someone going into Networking with only professional qualifications in terms of access to promotion and employment.
Regards

 

[burtsbees]

I have no degree---just certifications (A+, Network+, CCNA, CCNP). There are many prospect for me right now, and in my particular area (St. Louis, MO), there are rarely any real opportunities. The doors have opened pretty wide for me here. I have no professional experience whatsoever, but there are many companies as of late that are interested in giving me a chance. Other cities (I do not know where) offer a wealth of opportunities. Where I am currently, I plan to pursue a dream of mine---starting my own business, small business and home networking. I happen to know many people who are experts at being doctors and lawyers, but not a CLUE when it comes to technology---that is the PERFECT environment for what I want to do, but I need at least some experience in the field aside from routers and switches I have purchased off of Ebay. The sky is the limit, and a degree is not necessarily, ummm...necessary!

Burt

 

[okoko]

Thanks a lot Burt. You have just rekindled my motivation. I guess there is no harm trying. It’s not like I am going to be at the IT school forever. Plus, extra knowledge has never done anybody any harm. Thanks a lot. I wish you all the best with your plans.
Cheers

 

[burtsbees]

Great! Thank you, and good luck to you!

Burt

 

[gb0mb]

As long as you have a 4 year degree in anything and some certifications in networking you will be ok. Unfortunately allot of companies will try to take advantage of the fact that you do not have a degree when it comes to money.
Typical corporate policy dictates a degree gets x amount no degree gets x-y amount.

However in my personal experience I have only seen the question of "They have a degree right?" not really to much on what type of degree, strangely.

Gb0mb

........99.9% User Error........

 

[darkhut]

Yea you could consider going for a 2 year associate degree from a community college. It's fairly cheap and you can continue later towards a 4 year bachelor.
There's three things you need to get a job:
education, certifications, experience.
You really should think about ways of having something from each category, and best luck to you!

fresh CCNA

 

[okoko]

You guys are wonderful. Thanks a lot. Now I’m not just motivated but very happy.
Thanks

 

[techcontroller]

okoko,

I spent 4 years in the military here in the states. Most of my experience is in Cisco, with some knowledge of encrytion devices and wireless lan. When I left, I found that the largest wall I came to was in the form of experience. After being told that I was not being selected for a job, I asked why not. A few people found this annoying and refused to answer the question. However, most of the people I talked to told me I didn't have the experience they were looking for. When I asked about me not having a degree or certifications, they said it wasn't as important given my resume and what I do have experience with.

I would say that Cert always help. A degree is not necessary. But it does help.

Right now I have a great job working for a WISP. I have been told upon the completion of my CCNA certification, I will receive more money, but I am in no rush as I am certified in the equipment we use (MikroTik).

 

[rolm9751]

Hey burt - are you starting that Co. in St.Louis?
I work in Chesterfield right now as a telecommunications tech. For the past 2 years I've been leading the charge into VoIP and Cisco voice & data communications, and I am now studying for my CCNA to get my foundation and then it's on to CCVP- as that is the track I am currently working towards. I have been thinking of doing the independent contractor thing myself as you are soooo correct about lawyers and doctors not being able to understand their support technologies. But I am not much of a business man -I am a technician through and through. I just make it work. Good luck if you decide to do that - I'd be interested to hear your ideas - or maybe you'll need to sub out some voice work in the future?

 

[burtsbees]

Definitely keep that in mind...I'm not a business man either, but my brother-in-law is. I am a good people person, though, and some good sales skills, I just don't like sales...lol.
There is a company in Chesterfield hiring a voice guy...it's i9n Carreerbuilder.com. Yes, I still plan on starting that company.
Post your email addy, if you want---we can stay in touch...

Burt

 

[rolm9751]

Hey Burt, thanks. I have a pretty good gig going here, but I'm always trying to think ahead. I don't think I'll start a company, but I'd like to do some independent contracting as a side and see where it goes. I think there's a gold mine out there just with supporting doctors' and lawyers' offices. I have a solid background in telephony and PBX/key systems, and I've been doing VoIP, and voice/data integration for past 2 years, and I am still surprised at the lack of knowledge of these systems by the people who depend on them. If you ever need some help you can email me - acousticprism@yahoo.com. Take care!